Prof. Samantha Clarke
In a recent Village Council meeting, three resolutions were passed that mark a significant shift in Key Biscayne’s approach to micro-mobility. The most significant resolution involves an inter-local agreement with Miami-Dade County, granting Key Biscayne Police the authority to enforce regulations concerning the operation of micro-mobility devices, e-bikes, and motorized scooters along Crandon Boulevard.
Under the new agreement, only Class 1 e-bikes and all other types of motorized micro-mobility devices will be permitted in designated bike lanes, while sidewalks remain off-limits. This decision, pending approval from County Commissioners and a subsequent 60-day public awareness campaign, aims to strike a balance between promoting alternative modes of transportation and ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
The designated boundary stretches from the Key Biscayne entrance sign in the north to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in the south. It is important to note that Key Biscayne retains its ban on all micro-mobility devices, except wheelchairs, on its streets and sidewalks.
Police Chief Frank Sousa acknowledges that the implementation of these new regulations will require an adjustment period. He emphasizes the importance of users staying within bike lanes, remarking that it will take time for everyone to fully understand and comply with the new rules.
In addition to the micro-mobility resolution, two other resolutions were approved during the meeting. Key Biscayne secured a Neat Streets Miami matching grant of $67,407 for a street tree planting program aimed at enhancing the village’s green spaces. The specific trees to be planted are yet to be determined, as concerns were raised during the meeting. Nonetheless, approximately 100 to 110 trees are expected to be planted as part of the initiative.
Furthermore, Allbright Engineering Inc. was chosen to provide professional engineering services for the Garden District drainage improvements. The company has been enlisted to undertake the project at a cost not exceeding $358,149.22.
These resolutions demonstrate Key Biscayne’s commitment to embracing the evolving landscape of micro-mobility while simultaneously addressing community needs, such as enhancing green spaces and improving infrastructure. As the village enters this new phase, it is hoped that a harmonious coexistence between pedestrians, cyclists, and micro-mobility users can be achieved.
The micro-mobility industry is experiencing significant growth and Key Biscayne’s new resolutions reflect the wider trend of cities and communities adapting their regulations to accommodate these modes of transportation. Micro-mobility devices such as e-bikes and motorized scooters offer an alternative to traditional means of transportation, promoting sustainability and reducing congestion in urban areas.
According to market forecasts, the global micro-mobility market is expected to reach a value of $159.1 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.1% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to factors such as increasing urbanization, the need for efficient modes of transportation, and the growing popularity of eco-friendly alternatives.
However, with the rapid growth of the micro-mobility industry comes a set of challenges and issues that need to be addressed. Safety concerns regarding the operation of these devices, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, have been widely debated. Balancing the promotion of micro-mobility with the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists is crucial.
In Key Biscayne’s case, the inter-local agreement with Miami-Dade County granting police authority to enforce regulations is a step towards ensuring the safe operation of micro-mobility devices. By restricting these devices to designated bike lanes and keeping them off sidewalks, the aim is to protect pedestrians and cyclists while still allowing the use of these modes of transportation.
Key Biscayne’s decision to retain a ban on micro-mobility devices on streets and sidewalks, except for wheelchairs, highlights the need to carefully consider the integration of these devices into existing infrastructure. As Chief Frank Sousa mentions, the implementation of the new regulations will require an adjustment period for users to understand and comply with the rules.
The resolutions passed during the Village Council meeting also reflect Key Biscayne’s commitment to other important issues. The Neat Streets Miami matching grant for a street tree planting program shows the village’s dedication to enhancing green spaces. Planting trees not only improves aesthetics but also contributes to environmental sustainability by providing shade, improving air quality, and reducing the urban heat island effect.
Furthermore, the selection of Allbright Engineering Inc. to provide professional engineering services for the Garden District drainage improvements addresses infrastructure concerns. Proper drainage systems are essential for preventing flooding and maintaining the overall functionality of the village’s infrastructure.
Overall, Key Biscayne’s resolutions demonstrate a comprehensive approach to embracing the evolving landscape of micro-mobility. By enacting regulations to ensure safety, enhancing green spaces, and improving infrastructure, the village aims to achieve a harmonious coexistence between pedestrians, cyclists, and micro-mobility users.
